约束

[ adj ]
restricting the scope or freedom of action
<adj.all>

Constrain \Con*strain"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Constrained}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Constraining}.] [OF. constraindre, F.
contrainde, L. constringere; con- + stringere to draw tight.
See {Strain}, and. cf. {Constrict}, {Constringe}.]
1. To secure by bonds; to chain; to bond or confine; to hold
tightly; to constringe.

He binds in chains
The drowsy prophet, and his limbs constrains.
--Dryden.

When winter frosts constrain the fields with cold.
--Dryden.

2. To bring into a narrow compass; to compress.

How the strait stays the slender waist constrain.
--Gay.

3. To hold back by force; to restrain; to repress.

My sire in caves constrains the winds. --Dryden.

4. To compel; to force; to necessitate; to oblige.

The love of Christ constraineth us. --2. Cor. v.
14.

I was constrained to appeal unto C[ae]sar. --Acts
xxviii. 19.

5. To violate; to ravish. [Obs.] --Shak.

6. To produce in such a manner as to give an unnatural
effect; as, a constrained voice.

Syn: To compel; force; drive; impel; urge; press.